Police handling of crash case referred to commissioner

Colin Hume

The police’s handling of an inquiry which apparently saw a missing man lie dead in a car for three days has been referred to the force’s Investigations and Review Commissioner.

A search was launched on Sunday after worried relatives reported that John Yuill (28) and 25-year-old Lamara Bell had failed to return home when expected from a camping trip to Loch Earn.

Police investigate the scene of the crash (Picture: Michael Gillen)

Police have now admitted they received a call late that same morning regarding a car which was reported as being off the road near the scene, but it was not followed up.

Yesterday, Mr Yuill, the father of two young boys, was discovered dead in the car off the M9 southbound carriageway at junction 9 near Stirling services. Ms Bell (25), from Camelon, was in a critical condition, was rushed to the Southern General Hospital in Glasgow and is now on a life support machine. She has a nine-year-old daughter and son aged just five,

The police have come in for criticism for their handling of the incident, with Tory MSP Murdo Fraser also raising concerns,

In a statement issued this evening, Chief Superintendent John Hawkins said: “I would like to express my condolences to the family and friends of John Yuill. Our thoughts are also with the family and friends of Lamara Bell at this difficult time.

We are not able to publicly comment or answer any questions on this incident

Chief Superintendent John Hawkins

“We are aware of the comments directed to us on our social media pages in relation to this incident.

“On the direction of the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service, the matter has now been referred to the Police Investigations and Review Commissioner for a full investigation. As such, we are not able to publicly comment or answer any questions on this incident due to the ongoing investigation.